The Green County Historical Museum has among its permanent collection of musical instruments this early 20th century snare drum. A snare drum is a double-headed drum having several wires (snares) stretched across the bottom head to increase reverberation. The snares produce a sharp rattling sound as they vibrate against the bottom head. The top head is struck with wooden drumsticks and is called a batter-head.
According to a metal plate on the drum, it was patented April 16, 1907, and was made by Leedy Manufacturing Company of Indianapolis, Ind.
The drum measures 4 inches high and 15 inches in diameter. The shell is made of maple and mahogany woods, and the heads are made of calfskin.
The Leedy Drums Company was founded by Ulysses Grant Leedy in 1898. Ulysses Leedy started his career as a band and orchestra percussionist, but his desire to improve the instruments led him to start making his own.
Besides making drums, Leedy is given credit for inventing the first adjustable snare drum stand. Prior to his stand, snare drums were routinely put on chairs or hung on slings.
According to a metal plate on the drum, it was patented April 16, 1907, and was made by Leedy Manufacturing Company of Indianapolis, Ind.
The drum measures 4 inches high and 15 inches in diameter. The shell is made of maple and mahogany woods, and the heads are made of calfskin.
The Leedy Drums Company was founded by Ulysses Grant Leedy in 1898. Ulysses Leedy started his career as a band and orchestra percussionist, but his desire to improve the instruments led him to start making his own.
Besides making drums, Leedy is given credit for inventing the first adjustable snare drum stand. Prior to his stand, snare drums were routinely put on chairs or hung on slings.